SCOTCH whisky distillers have donated a further £50,000 to help hospitality workers hit by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society (The BEN) and the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) are the beneficiaries of the bequest made by the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) on behalf of all its members. Each charity will receive £25,000. The donation is in addition to support already provided by SWA member companies throughout the year.

The BEN offers financial, social and emotional support to people of all ages who have worked in the licensed and hospitality trade. Over the past nine months, the help it has given has included one-off grants to pay bills and buy food and other essentials.

HIT Scotland provides opportunities for people working and studying in the hospitality sector in Scotland to broaden their skills.